Filter, Black Smoke Trigger @ The Gov, Adelaide 9/4/2024
To say that we have been waiting a while for the return of American rockers Filter is an understatement. There was Soundwave in 2014 but their last headline tour was all the way back in 2000 where the played the University Of Adelaide. Being a Tuesday night didn’t deter a loyal and enthusiastic supporter base turning out to saviour every second of this show. Elite! Filter in short were incredible and if you didn’t go I reckon you might rue that choice.
New Zealand rock band Black Smoke Trigger were an awesome choice to support Filter. Plenty of swagger and riffs for the next forty minutes or so. There’s plenty to like about these guys flexing plenty of muscle and winning the crowd over early. A unique blend of Metallica, Alice In Chains with a splash of Stone Temple Pilots. Set highlights included the likes of Blindfolds & Rattlesnakes, Caught In The Undertow and K.M.T.L.
It was a smokey haze that filled The Gov in anticipation for Filter. The stage was dark and it was quite clear that there was a certain aesthetic and feel that the band were going for. Filter is Richard Patrick and right from the get go he was in scintillating form. With an array of green lights there was a real dark and gloomy feel then Richard Patrick emerges from the shadows to plough through You Walk Away. Sporting a hoodie and dark sunglasses added to the aesthetic. The Drowning followed with Patrick commenting that things were “pretty chilled” and hoped that it would be more “rambunctious” asking for “crowd surfing” and sweaty people in the mosh pit.
There was leaning to the newish album The Algorithm which continued on For The Beaten. The set list was brilliantly curated and put together with one great song after another. Even Patrick said they were “going to do more of the new shit” playing their favourite from the album in Face Down. It was at this point where Patrick said this is “when Satin starts to show his face… just joking” playing (Can’t You) Trip Like I Do.
Patrick was curious suggesting there was a thousand there even requesting that fans tell five to six thousand of their friends about this show and this “shit breather band” (harsh description) but reinforced that the fans are the glue that keeps this all together. The intensity of Obliteration was incredible and the anthemic Take A Picture was one of many highlights. This single never wears thin sounding even better than ever. The set was loaded with greatness with Jurassitol, Captain Bligh, American Cliché and Dose. Lyrically their songs are just as powerful and as relevant today reflecting the challenges of American politics.
Patrick said they don’t waste time playing an encore preferring to play everything they have got and leaving quite the impression which is what they did powering to the end with Welcome To The Fold and Hey Man Nice Shot. Seriously good!
Live Review By Rob Lyon